Buses and trams now accept immediate payment through Bee Network
Express Mode on Bee Network Now Live: Apple Pay for Seamless Travel in Greater Manchester
The Bee Network in Greater Manchester, England, has introduced a new feature called Express Mode, allowing passengers to use Apple Pay for travel on buses and trams. This development follows the successful launch of the 'tap and go' feature on the Bee Network in March.
With Express Mode, passengers no longer need to wake, unlock, or open an app to pay for their journey. To pay, they simply hold their device near the card reader. No authentication of Face ID or Touch ID is required. The 'tap and go' feature on the Bee Network calculates the best value fare up to the daily or weekly cap for seamless bus and tram travel.
The introduction of Express Mode for Apple Pay users is exciting news for the region. Fran Wilkinson, the Director of Customer and Growth at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to bring Express Mode to our Apple Pay customers on the Bee Network. This new feature will make travel even more convenient and seamless for our passengers."
The Bee Network, managed by TfGM, is a public transport system serving Greater Manchester. The first passengers using Express Mode on the Bee Network are expected to start using it soon.
Meanwhile, the CiTTi Awards, an annual event recognising and celebrating achievements and innovations in ticketing and payment in the UK's transportation sector, will take place on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The CiTTi Award for achievements and innovations in ticketing and payment was held on November 14, 2024.
The Power Reserve feature on iPhone enables customers to use their device to pay even if it needs a charge. However, no details are provided about any potential additional costs or fees associated with using Express Mode.
Express Mode on the Bee Network is easy to set up for Apple Pay users. Riders can manage their default Express Mode card within the Apple Wallet app.
Passengers are encouraged to try out Express Mode on their next journey on the Bee Network and experience the convenience it offers.
